ATL Sarthi

iExplore Foundation - ATL Sarthi

ATL SARTHI

"Revitalizing Rural Innovation"

Igniting Innovation in Every District

ATL SARTHI (School-based ATL Revitalization and Tinkering Hub Initiative) is a bold initiative by iExplore Foundation, launched in partnership with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, to strengthen and scale the impact of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in under-resourced schools.

As the Nodal Agency for Erode and Namakkal districts, iExplore Foundation is guiding one of the largest ATL clusters in India — mentoring 135+ schools to build thriving ecosystems of innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.

IEXPLORE

Why ATL SARTHI Matters

While thousands of ATLs have been established across India, many schools — especially in rural and Tier 2/Tier 3 towns — face challenges such as:

  • Lack of trained mentors
  • Limited access to tech tools
  • No structured innovation curriculum
  • Poor student engagement

ATL SARTHI addresses these gaps with a structured, collaborative model that supports activation, mentoring, and sustainability of innovation practices in schools.

iExplore’s Role as Nodal Agency

Under ATL SARTHI, iExplore Foundation provides:

Mentorship & Ecosystem Support

  • On-ground Innovation Coaches
  • Weekly STEM mentoring sessions
  • Hackathons and project-based learning
  • Teacher Training & Capacity Building
  • Bootcamps and workshops for educators
  • DIY kits and lesson plans
  • ATL operations manuals and toolkits

Student Empowerment

  • Hands-on learning in AI, IoT, and 3D printing
  • Exposure to real-world problem solving
  • Guidance on innovation for SDGs

Performance Monitoring & Strategic Direction

  • Formation of Cluster Guidance Committees (CGCs)
  • Tracking innovation outcomes
  • Ensuring long-term impact and accountability

Impact So Far

  • 135 ATLs mentored across Erode & Namakkal
  • 250+ teachers trained
  • 1,00,000+ students reached
  • 300+ student innovations showcased
  • Hosted InnovaTN 2024 — a state-level hackathon with 500+ student entries

Join the Movement

Be Part of the Change!

We invite CSR partners, tech mentors, and education leaders to help us expand ATL SARTHI to more clusters across the country.

Get In Touch:

Email : [email protected]

  • Partner with Us
  • Support ATL Mentoring

Real Stories, Real Innovation

“ATL SARTHI in Erode and Namakkal is more than a program—it’s a movement to ignite rural innovation. It empowers students in government schools to think, create, and lead.”
 — iExplore Foundation

“Before ATL SARTHI, our lab was just a room. Now it’s a place where ideas come to life.”
 — School Principal, Namakkal